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Nintendo has announced that the Wii console has sold out in
Europe, with 325,000 units snapped up in the two days
following last Friday's launch.

That means the Wii now holds the title of fastest-selling
home console in history across Europe - and not
just in the UK.

First-party launch title The Legend of Zelda: Twilight
Princess was a big hit with consumers, shifting 240,000
copies over the launch weekend - meaning 74 per cent of those
buying a console also bought the game.

Mini-game collection Wii Play, which comes bundled with a
remote controller, was bought by more than 50 per cent of Wii
purchasers

"Wii has become an overnight success in Europe with people of
all ages rushing out to get their hands on the console," said
Nintendo Europe marketing director Laurent Fischer.

"Even at this early stage it is clear that Wii is delivering
on its promise to expand the gaming market, with a uniquely
diverse audience all keen to experience the sensation for
themselves."

Due to high demand for the console shop shelves remain empty
at present, but Fischer pledged, "For those who were unable
to buy Wii during the launch weekend, rest assured more stock
is already on its way.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure that a steady
supply of Wii units is shipped to stores across Europe
throughout December and into 2007."

The arrival of the Wii was heralded with a
launch event at HMV's flagship branch last week.

"The demand for Wii has been truly amazing, and the official
launch at our Oxford Street store was one of the biggest
events we've ever staged there," said Tim Ellis, head of
games for HMV.

"HMV has received a huge amount of customer pre-orders -
beyond anything we've ever seen before, including from family
shoppers as well as dedicated Nintendo gamers.

"This suggests that while Wii is obviously one of the
must-have items this Christmas, it also has the potential to
appeal to a huge mainstream audience over the longer-term."
(For more from Ellis, read our exclusive
interview.)

The Wii launched in North America on November 19, where
600,000 consoles were sold in the first eight days following
launch. It's also proved to be a hit in Japan, with the
territory's allocation of 400,000 units flying off the
shelves on day one.